Description:
Technology: MUSC inventors have developed new systems and methods for image-guided surgery. To facilitate guidance of the instrument during the surgery, the estimated position of an instrument relative to the plurality of projection images can be displayed. The position of the instrument can be tracked using an electromagnetic (EM) tracking system, which uses a low-strength magnetic field to follow miniaturized sensor coils embedded in the instrument. For use in interventional cardiology, the system integrates real-time catheter position into a dynamic, anatomical image of the heart. The image represents an example of a catheter shape rendering estimated by tracking a plurality of sensors in the catheter with an image tracking system.
Overview:
Radiation exposure from medical imaging has dramatically increased in recent decades. Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are especially vulnerable. Many therapeutic interventions for CHD patients have transitioned from open surgical procedures to minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures requiring fluoroscopic guidance. While this trend has many benefits, it unfortunately results in excessive cumulative radiation exposure for children who often undergo multiple, complex catheter procedures. To date, radiation dose reduction in cardiac catheterization has been aimed at modifying the existing technology to limited dose delivery. However, this approach is inherently limited because fluoroscopy remains the principal imaging modality.
Advantages: Reduces radiation exposure
Key Words: Fluoroscopically-guided minimally invasive procedures; congenital heart disease; radiation; cardiac catheterization; image-guided surgery; electromagnetic tracking
Publications: Kwartowitz, David M., Fuad N. Mefleh, and George H. Baker. "Towards image-guided atrial septal defect repair: an ex vivo analysis." SPIE Medical Imaging. International Society for Optics and Photonics, 2012.
Inventors: G. Baker, D. Kwartowitz
Patent Status: US Patent 9,183,354
MUSC-FRD Technology ID: P1143
Licensing Status: Available for licensing